LANSING (WWJ/AP) - The Michigan Senate is poised to debate bills aimed at requiring insurance companies to cover some types of treatment for autism. The bills are on the Senates tentative agenda for Tuesday. Bills could be debated but likely wouldnt come up for a vote until later in the week. The measures would advance to the House if the Senate approves them. One bill sets up a fund to help reimburse insurers for paid claims related to diagnosis and treatment of autism. That provision is included in hopes of lessening opposition from business and insurance groups. More than half the states in the U.S. require insurers to provide autism coverage, andGov. Rick Snyder has called for similar requirements in Michigan. Previous efforts to mandate that health insurers provide coverage for certain autism therapies have run into opposition from business and insurance groups. They say mandating coverage would raise the cost of employer-sponsored health insurance, and thats a major reason why efforts for such a mandate have been stalled in Michigan. Autism Speaks spokesman Rick Remington told WWJ Newsradio 950 an estimated 15,000 children in Michigan are autistic and early treatment can actually save the state money in the long … Continue reading →

SAN BRUNO, Calif., March 13, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Stella & Dot, a global fashion accessories brand and rapidly growing social selling company has partnered with Autism Speaks,the world's leading autism science and advocacy organization, in an effort to raise funds and awareness of autism through the sale of the signature Shine Bracelet. In recognition of Autism Awareness Month, the Stella & Dot Shine Bracelet will be introduced at the beginning of April, providing 20% of every bracelet sold, while supplies last, to Autism Speaks. "So many people in our Stella & Dot family have been touched by autism. We're excited that the Stella & Dot Foundation will take its first step to raise and contribute funds to drive awareness and develop treatments for autism," said Jessica Herrin, CEO & Founder of Stella & Dot. "We are extremely grateful to Stella & Dot for its efforts to raise awareness and funds for the autism community," said Pat Kemp, Autism Speaks Executive Vice President of Marketing, Corporate Relations and Development. "We encourage everyone to show their support by purchasing a Shine Bracelet for themselves or a loved one." Stella & Dot Shine Bracelet, $39.00 Dark grey braided cord features single pave … Continue reading →

http://www.armytimes.com/news/2012/03/military-tricare-autism-treatment-pilot-program-extended-031312w/ The Pentagon announced Tuesday it is extending a pilot program that provides autism treatment to the children of service members. Tricare Management Activity will extend the Enhanced Access to Autism Services demonstration program through March 2014, according to a news release. The initiative allows beneficiaries qualifying offspring of active-duty personnel to receive 10 hours a week of applied behavioral analysis, or ABA, a treatment that helps autistic youngsters learn new skills and improve communications. The program continuation is good news for the families of the estimated 20,000 autistic military children. But advocates and some members of Congress believe Tricare needs to do more to serve this population. In a congressional hearing March 8, Rep. Maurice Hinchey, D-N.Y., said the program ideally should provide at least 25 to 40 hours a week of treatment, in accordance with standard accepted practices. But it definitely should be extended to include children of military retirees and medically retired personnel eligible for Tricare, he added. Imagine being wounded in Iraq or Afghanistan and forced to medically retire and your child loses his or her autism therapy. We have an obligation to provide the health care needs of our military families, Hinchey said. Reps. Walter … Continue reading →